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Introduction Memory problems are more common with ageing and are related to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated whether the intake of lactobacillus fermented Saccharina japonica (FSJ) extract improved the cognitive function during working memory processing and whether biomarkers were associated with task performance. Methods Eligible participants were assigned to either a control group or an experimental group by computerized randomization. Participants were asked to take either 2 capsules, once a day for 4 weeks of lactobacillus FSJ for the experimental group or placebo control capsules for the control group. The cognitive function was determined using the Beck depression inventory (BDI), Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (K-WAIS), operation-word span task and Raven’s test-based quantitative EEG test. Levels of amyloid-β, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum using the ELISA were also measured. Results There was no significant difference between these two groups in all cognitive function tests using the independent sample t-test. However, the experimental group showed a significant difference in the correct answer percentage, concentration and left and right brain activity of space perception as assessed by the Raven test-based quantitative EEG test by a paired-sample t-test. Biochemical measurements showed, a slightly decreasing trend in amyloid-β, whereas SOD level was not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that FSJ may have the potential to improve cognitive function as evaluated by the Raven’s test via, regulation of SOD antioxidant system. Our findings provide preliminary evidence of the safety of FSJ and its potential to improve memory.

BackgroundThis study was designed to examine the effectiveness of program combining chakrayoga and meditation on the physical health and disease-related factors and psychological factors of people.MethodsNinety-seven subjects (32–83 years old) who had free from prior experiences in meditation programs or Chakrayoga training courses were assigned to either the experimental group (EXP) (45 subjects; 13 male subjects and 32 female subjects; average age of 60.67 years, SD=11.09 years) or the control group (CONT) of remaining subjects (52 subjects; 14 male subjects and 38 female subjects; average age of 61.58 years, SD=9.70 years). Subjects in the EXP participated in the Chakrayoga Meditation Program for twice a week for 2 h during 6 weeks in each session consisted of 1 h of Chakrayoga and 1 h of meditation. The measurements in this study included the mindfulness, stress response, subjective quality of life, medical symptom checklist, difficulty in emotional regulation and objective of life and sense of control.ResultsResults revealed that participants in the EXP reported significantly more relief of mindfulness, stress response, subjective quality of life and medical symptom checklist than those in the CONT.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence that the Chakrayoga Meditation Program can help relieve the physical health and disease-related factors and psychological factors.

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped and bright-yellow-pigmented bacterium, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, designated THG-MD21T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Radix ophiopogonis in Henan province, PR China. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain THG-MD21T belongs to the genus Luteimonas and was most closely related to Luteimonas aestuarii B9T (98.2 % sequence similarity), Lysobacter panaciterrae Gsoil 068T (97.2 %) and Luteimonas marina FR1330T (97.0 %). The DNA G+C content was 64.4 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-MD21T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was below 30.0 %. The only isoprenoid quinone detected in strain THG-MD21T was ubiquinone-8.The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol, and the predominant fatty acids were iso-C11 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and characteristics revealed by a polyphasic study showed that strain THG-MD21T represents a novel species, for which the name Luteimonas terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-MD21T ( = KACC 18131T = JCM 30122T).

The pharmacological effects of Rosa hybrida are well known in the cosmetics industry. However, the role of Rosa hybrida in cardiovascular biology had not previously been investigated, to the best of our knowledge. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of water extract of Rosa hybrida (WERH) on platelet‑derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMC proliferation, which was stimulated by PDGF, was inhibited in a non-toxic manner by WERH treatment, which also diminished the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AKT. Treatment with WERH also induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, which was due to the decreased expression of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and induced p21WAF1 expression in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, WERH treatment suppressed the migration and invasion of VSMCs stimulated with PDGF. Treatment with WERH abolished the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and decreased the binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and specificity protein 1 (Sp1) motifs in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. WERH treatment inhibited the proliferation of PDGF‑stimulated VSMCs through p21WAF1‑mediated G1-phase cell cycle arrest, by decreasing the kinase activity of cyclin/CDK complexes. Furthermore, WERH suppressed the PDGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT in VSMCs. Finally, treatment with WERH impeded the migration and invasion of VSMCs stimulated by PDGF by downregulating MMP-9 expression and a reduction in NF-κB, AP-1 and Sp1 activity. These results provide new insights into the effects of WERH on PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, and we suggest that WERH has the potential to act as a novel agent for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular diseases.

A novel bacterial strain THG-SL1(T) was isolated from a soil sample of Cucurbita maxima garden and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-positive, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was aerobic, catalase positive and weakly positive for oxidase. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis but it shared highest similarity with Microbacterium ginsengisoli KCTC 19189(T) (96.6 %), indicating that strain THG-SL1(T) belongs to the genus Microbacterium. The DNA G + C content of the isolate was 68.9 mol %. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15: 0 (39.7 %), anteiso-C17: 0 (24.4 %) and iso-C16: 0 (18.5 %). The major polar lipids of strain THG-SL1(T) were phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and an unidentified glycolipid (GL). The predominant respiratory isoprenoid quinones were menaquinone-11 and menaquinone-12. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ornithine. Based on the results of polyphasic characterization, strain THG-SL1(T) represented a novel species within the genus Microbacterium, for which the name Microbacterium horti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-SL1(T) (=KACC 18286(T)=CCTCC AB 2015117(T)).

A novel bacterial strain, designated THG-S11.7T, was isolated from garden soil in Incheon, South Korea. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile cocci, and were catalase- and oxidase-positive. Colonies of the strain were white. Strain THG-S11.7T grew optimally at 28 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the strain was a member of the genus Nocardioides. Strain THG-S11.7T showed a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.2 % to Nocardioides kongjuensis KCTC 19054T, 98.0 % to Nocardioides caeni KCTC 19600T, 97.9 % to Nocardioides daeguensis KCTC 19799T, 97.8 % to Nocardioides nitrophenolicus KCTC 047BPT, 97.6 % to Nocardioides aromaticivorans KACC 20613T, 97.5 % to Nocardioides simplex KACC 20620T and 97.0 % to Nocardioides ginsengisoli KCTC 19135T. DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain THG-S11.7T and the closest phylogenetic neighbours were below 45.0 % and the DNA G+C content of strain THG-S11.7T was 72.2 mol%. Strain THG-S11.7T was characterized chemotaxonomically as having ll-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and menaquinone MK-8(H4) as the predominant isoprenoid quinone. The major phospholipid was determined to be diphosphatidylglycerol. The major cellular fatty acids of strain THG-S11.7T were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. Based on the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic analyses, it is proposed that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides albidus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-S11.7T ( = KCTC 39607T = CCTCC AB 2015297T).

A bacterial strain, THG-S15-4T, was isolated from garden soil taken from the Guro-gu district of Seoul, Republic of Korea. Strain THG-S15-4T was Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, coccus-shaped and non-motile, forming white colonies. The strain grew optimally at 25-37 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain THG-S15-4T was affiliated to species of the genus Brachybacterium, and the most closely related species were Brachybacterium rhamnosum KCTC 9917 T (98.5 % sequence similarity) and Brachybacterium squillarum KCTC 19899T (96.9 % sequence similarity). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-S15-4T and B. rhamnosum KCTC 9917 T was found to be below 20.0 %. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 69.5 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone detected was MK-7. Strain THG-S15-4T was characterized chemotaxonomically as having meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified polar lipid. The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain THG-S15-4T to be differentiated phenotypically from species of the genus Brachybacterium with validly published names. Therefore, it is suggested that this newly isolated organism represents a novel species, for which the name Brachybacterium horti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-S15-4T ( = KCTC 39563T = CCTCC AB 2015116T).

Background Human skin undergoes distinct changes throughout the aging process, based on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In a process called photoaging, UVB irradiation leads to upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1, which then causes collagen degradation and premature aging. Mixtures of medicinal plants have traditionally been used as drugs in oriental medicine. Based on the previously reported antioxidant properties of Panax ginseng Meyer and Crataegus pinnatifida , we hypothesized that the mixture of P. ginseng Meyer and C. pinnatifida (GC) would have protective effects against skin aging. Methods Anti-aging activity was examined both in human dermal fibroblasts under UVB irradiation by using Western blot analysis and in healthy human skin by examining noninvasive measurements. Results In vitro studies showed that GC improved procollagen type I expression and diminished matrix metalloproteinase-1 secretion. Based on noninvasive measurements, skin roughness values, including total roughness (R1), maximum roughness (R2), smoothness depth and average roughness (R3), and global photodamage scores were improved by GC application. Moreover, GC ameliorated the high values of smoothness depth (R4), which means that GC reduced loss of skin moisture. Conclusion These results suggest that GC can prevent aging by inhibiting wrinkle formation and increasing moisture in the human skin.

Strain THG-MD12T, a Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Ophiopogon japonicus in PR China. THG-MD12T was closely related to members of the genus Pseudoclavibacter and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Pseudoclavibacter helvolus KCTC 19531T (98.8 %) and Pseudoclavibacter chungangensis KCTC 22691T (96.9 %). DNA–DNA hybridization showed 41.9 ± 2.1 % and 12.4 ± 0.9 % DNA reassociation with P. helvolus KCTC 19531T and P. chungangensis KCTC 22691T, respectively. Chemotaxonomic analyses revealed that strain THG-MD12T possesses menaquinone-9 as the predominant respiratory quinone, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid as the diamino acid in the peptidoglycan and anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The polar lipid profile was found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unknown glycolipids and two unknown lipids. These data corroborated the affiliation of THG-MD12T to the genus Pseudoclavibacter. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Pseudoclavibacter terrae sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-MD12T as the type strain ( = CCTCC AB 2015124T = KCTC 39562T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped strain, THG-DN7.3T, was isolated from a waterfall. Strain THG-DN7.3T grew well at 18–28 °C and at pH 6.0–7.5 on Reasoner's 2A agar. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-DN7.3T was most closely related to Undibacterium jejuense JS4-4T (97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Undibacterium seohonense SHS5-24T (96.5 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 57.4 mol%. The mean DNA–DNA relatedness of strain THG-DN7.3T with U. jejuense KACC 12607T was 40 ± 1 % (reciprocal 50 ± 2.1 %). The major cellular fatty acids of strain THG-DN7.3T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) (47.4 %), C16 : 0 (30.4 %), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c) (6.8 %) and C12 : 0 (6.2 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The results of the DNA–DNA hybridization and genotypic analysis, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that strain THG-DN7.3T represents a novel species of the genus Undibacterium, for which the name Undibacterium aquatile sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DN7.3T ( = KCTC 42243T = CCTCC AB 2015119T).

A novel bacterial strain THG-MM13(T) was isolated from rhizospheric soil sample and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, and optimum growth temperature and pH were 28 °C and 7.0, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-MM13(T) (KM598260) belongs to the genus Pseudoxanthomonas and is most closely related to Pseudoxanthomonas wuyuanensis KCTC 23877(T) (97.4 %) (JN247803), followed by Pseudoxanthomonas koreensis KCTC 12208(T) (96.7 %) (AY550263) and Pseudoxanthomonas yeongjuensis KACC 11580(T) (96.7 %) (DQ438977). The DNA G + C content was 63.7 mol%, and the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 (31.3 %) and iso-C16:0 (19.3 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain THG-MM13(T) and P. wuyuanensis KCTC 23877(T) was below 50 %. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and results of the genotypic analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain THG-MM13(T) represented a novel species within the genus Pseudoxanthomonas, for which the name Pseudoxanthomonas humi is proposed. The type strain is THG-MM13(T) (=KACC 18280(T) = CCTCC AB 2015122(T)).

A novel bacterial strain, designated THG-RS2OT, was isolated from fallow-land soil previously cultivated with Brassica oleracea in Yongin, South Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile rods, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Strain THG-RS2OT grew optimally at 25–37 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that strain THG-RS2OT shows highest sequence similarity with Massilia kyonggiensis KACC 17471T followed by Massilia aerilata KACC 12505T, Massilia niastensis KACC 12599T, Massilia tieshanensis KACC 14940T and Massilia haematophila KCTC 32001T. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain THG-RS2OT and the closest phylogenetic neighbours were below 55.0 % and the DNA G+C content of strain THG-RS2OT was 63.2 mol%. Major fatty acids were C16 : 0, cyclo-C17 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). The major respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquonone-8 and predominant polar lipids were determined to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Characterization by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization, ubiquinone, polar lipid, fatty acid composition, and physiological and biochemical parameters revealed that strain THG-RS2OT represents a novel species of the genus Massilia. Hence, the present study describes a novel species for which the name Massilia arvi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-RS2OT ( = KCTC 42609T = CCTCC AB 2015115T).

A novel bacterial strain, THG-sc1(T), was isolated from a soil sample of a cucumber garden and was characterised by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was found to be aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, esculin and starch negative, and to have an optimum growth temperature and pH of 28 °C and 7.5, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-sc1(T) was found to belong to the genus Sphingosinicella and to be closely related to Sphingosinicella vermicomposti KCTC 22446(T), followed by Sphingosinicella xenopeptidilytica DSM 17130(T) and Sphingosinicella microcystinivorans KCTC 12019(T). The DNA G+C content was determined to be 60.8 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone-10. The major polyamine was found to be sym-homospermidine. The major polar lipids were identified as sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were identified as C(18:1)ω7c, C(16:0) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH, as defined by MIDI). The results of the genotypic analysis, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that strain THG-sc1(T) represents a novel species within the genus Sphingosinicella, for which the name Sphingosinicella cucumeris is proposed. The type strain is THG-sc1(T) (=KACC 18279(T) = CCTCC AB 2015120(T)).

Strain THG-SQA7(T), a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from rhizosphere soil of a rose in PR China. Strain THG-SQA7(T) is closely related to the members of the genus Sphingobium, showing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Sphingobium lactosutens KACC 18100(T) (98.2%) and Sphingobium abikonense KCTC 2864(T) (98.1%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-SQA7(T) and S. lactosutens KACC 18100(T) and S. abikonense KCTC 2864(T) was 26.2 ± 0.9 and 28.3 ± 1.2%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data showed that strain THG-SQA7(T) possesses ubiquinone Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and C(18:1)ω7c, C(16:0), summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or C(16:1)ω6c) and C(14:0) 2OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine. Based on these results, together with phenotypic characterization, a novel species, Sphingobium soli sp. nov. is proposed.with the type strain is THG-SQA7(T) (=CCTCC AB 2015125(T) = KCTC 42607(T)).

A Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as THG-DN3.6(T), was isolated from an ancient tree trunk from Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-DN3.6(T) was shown to belong to the genus Chryseobacterium and the highest similarity to Chryseobacterium indoltheticum LMG 4025(T) (97.2%) and the closest phylogenetic relatives were Chryseobacterium scophthalmum (96.8%), Chryseobacterium piscium (96.7%) and Chryseobacterium balustinum KCTC 2903(T) (96.3%). The DNA G + C content of the isolate was 33.2 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-6. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω7t and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH), iso-C17:1 ω9c and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids of strain THG-DN3.6(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine. The mean DNA-DNA relatedness of strain THG-DN3.6(T) to C. indoltheticum LMG 4025(T) was 52 ± 0.5%. Based on the results of polyphasic characterization, strain THG-DN3.6(T) represented a novel species within the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium formosus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DN3.6(T) (=KCTC 42606 = CCTCC AB 2015118). The NCBI GenBank accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain THG-DN3.6(T) is KM035938.

Qigong, Tai-chi and dancing have all been proven effective for Parkinson's disease (PD); however, no study has yet assessed the efficacy of Turo, a hybrid qigong dancing program developed to relieve symptoms in PD patients.To determine whether Turo may provide benefit in addressing the symptoms of PD patients.Randomized, assessor blind, waiting-list control, partial crossover study.Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.A total of 32 PD patients (mean age 65.7 ± 6.8).Participants were assigned to the Turo group or the waiting-list control group. The Turo group participated in an 8-week Turo training program (60-minute sessions twice a week). The waiting-list control group received no additional treatment during the same period; then underwent the same 8-week Turo training.The primary outcome was a score on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the secondary outcomes included the perceived health status assessed using the Parkinson's disease Quality of Life questionnaire (PDQL), balance function as assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the results of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).The Turo group showed statistically significant improvements in the UPDRS (P0.01) and PDQL (P0.05) as compared to the control group. The changes in BBS scores displayed a tendency toward improvement, but was not statistically significant (P = 0.051).These findings suggest that Turo PD training might improve the symptoms of PD patients.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the researches about regarding Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and to understand the trends of Meridian-based Psychotherapy. Methods : Every article relevant to EFT was obtained from `Pubmed` and Korean journal databases. Keywords used for searching included `EFT` and `Emotional freedom technique`. Results : 1) 5 reviews, 11 randomized controlled trials, 3 controlled trials, 1 single group comparative study and 4 case studies were searched. 2) Anxiety disorders were most frequently studied with EFT. Other studies included insomnia, depression and pain symptoms. EFT interventions were attempted in many different protocols and assessed with various tools. 3) Review articles indicated that meridian-based psychotherapies, such as EFT, are based on the meridian theory of oriental medicine. They evaluate EFT positively for its effectiveness on psychiatric diseases. Conclusions : EFT is increasingly studied and used in clinical practice of various fields. Objective evaluation tools and standardized intervention protocols are needed for the development of a new guideline for EFT.

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a holistic intraoral appliance (OA) on cervical spine alignment and subjective symptom severity. Design. An observational study on case series with holistic OA therapy. Setting. An outpatient clinic for holistic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) therapy under the supervision of the Pain Center, CHA Biomedical center, CHA University. Subjects. Ambulatory patients presenting with diverse chief complaints in the holistic TMJ clinic. Main Measures. Any immediate change in the curvature of cervical spine and the degree of atlantoaxial rotation was investigated in the images of simple X-ray and computed tomography of cervical spine with or without OA. Changes of subjective symptom severity were also analyzed for the holistic OA therapy cases. Results. A total of 59 cases were reviewed. Alignment of upper cervical spine rotation showed an immediate improvement (P < 0.001). Changes of subjective symptom severity also showed significant improvement (P < 0.05). Conclusion. These cases revealed rudimentary clinical evidence that holistic OA therapy may be related to an alleviated symptom severity and an improved cervical spinal alignment. These results show that further researches may warrant for the holistic TMJ therapy.

Effect of fucoidan (FCN) treatment on improving memory defects caused by administration of scopolamine (SCO) to the rats was examined. The effects of FCN on the acetylcholinergic system as well as the expression of cAMP-response elementbinding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs in the hippocampus were also investigated. Male rats were administered daily doses for 14 days of FCN (10, 20, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before scopolamine injection (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Daily administration of FCN improved memory impairment as measured by the passive avoidance test (PAT) and reduced the escape latency for finding the platform in the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Administration of FCN significantly alleviated memory-associated decreases in cholinergic immunoreactivity and restored the expression level of BDNF and CREB mRNAs in the hippocampus. Additionally, FCN significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNAs in the hippocampus. These results demonstrated that FCN has significant neuroprotective effects against neuronal impairment and memory dysfunction caused by scopolamine in rats. Thus, these findings suggest that FCN is useful as a therapeutic agent for improving cognitive functioning via stimulation of cholinergic enzyme activities and regulation of CREB and BDNF expressions in the brain.

Inflammation is, in a sense, a way of life. Inflammation is both protective and destructive to the body. Balance and the process of balance maintenance matter in inflammation. On the one hand, inflammation has been discussed as a critical factor in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Inflammatory process is also important in such conditions as cancer, obesity, and stroke. On the other hand, inflammatory process is an essential protective mechanism for limiting the range of tissue damage and thereafter process of tissue repair. That was why we have called inflammation as a two-faced Janus in the editorial of the special issue 2014.

The administration of kainic acid (KA) causes seizures and produces neurodegeneration in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells. The present study investigated a possible role of acupuncture in reducing hippocampal cell death and inflammatory events, using a mouse model of kainic acid-induced epilepsy. Male C57BL/6 mice received acupuncture treatments at acupoint HT8 or in the tail area bilaterally once a day for 2 days and again immediately after an intraperitoneal injection of KA (30 mg/kg). HT8 is located on the palmar surface of the forelimbs, between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones. Twenty-four hours after the KA injection, neuronal cell survival, the activations of microglia and astrocytes, and mRNA expression of two proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were measured in the hippocampus. Acupuncture stimulation at HT8, but not in the tail area, significantly reduced the KA-induced seizure, neuron death, microglial and astrocyte activations, and IL-1β mRNA expression in the hippocampus. The acupuncture stimulation also decreased the mRNA expression of TNF-α, but it was not significant. These results indicate that acupuncture at HT8 can inhibit hippocampal cell death and suppress KA-induced inflammatory events, suggesting a possible role for acupuncture in the treatment of epilepsy.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Recently, bee venom was reported to protect dopaminergic neurons in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine induced mice PD model, however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The objective of the present study is to investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of bee venom against Parkinsonian toxin, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+), in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Our results revealed that bee venom pretreatment (1–100 ng/ml) increased the cell viability and decreased apoptosis assessed by DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity assays in MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Bee venom increased the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and decreased the pro-apoptotic Bax, cleaved PARP expressions. In addition, bee venom prevented the MPP+-induced suppression of Akt phosphorylation, and the neuroprotective effect of bee venom against MPP+-induced cytotoxicity was inhibited by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002. These results suggest that the anti-apoptotic effect of bee venom is mediated by the cell survival signaling, the PI3K/Akt pathway. These results provide new evidence for elucidating the mechanism of neuroprotection of bee venom against PD.

Background. While therapeutic acupuncture perception (deqi) has recently been investigated only for the subject’s perception, classical acupuncture discussed acupuncture perception for both the practitioner and the subject. The aim of this study was to explore the practitioner’s and the subject’s acupuncture perception during acupuncture.Methods. Explorative crossover study to quantitatively document acupuncture perception of both the practitioner and the subject. Eighty-one participants acted as a practitioner or a subject. The practitioner’s and the subject’s acupuncture perceptions were collected using self-report type checklists. Acupuncture needles were inserted to LI4 or ST36, adopting a four-phase method: insertion into shallow, middle, and deep depths, followed by twirling manipulation. Pain, transmission, dullness, and soreness feelings of the subject and thick, tangled, solid, and empty feelings of the practitioner were analyzed for their correlation.Results. The practitioner’s and the subject’s perception showed a significant correlation. Acupuncture perception varied over four phases of needling, with a tendency to be rated higher when inserted deep. Perception for LI4 was generally higher than those for ST36.Conclusion. The practitioner’s acupuncture perception was successfully documented and analyzed in relation to the subject’s acupuncture perception and different needling conditions.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different acupuncture insertion velocities.This study was performed as a within-subject design to control for individual differences. The biomechanical properties of needle insertion and accompanying subjective acupuncture perception was compared between different insertion velocities.The setting for this study was the laboratory of acupuncture meridian and functional neurology, Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University.Sixteen (16) healthy volunteers participated in the study.An acupuncture needle was inserted to the acupoint LI4 by an acupuncture needle insertion device (ANI-KY) at high or low speed of needle insertion.Biomechanical properties such as force and depth were measured online by sensors equipped with the ANI-KY device. Participants filled out a questionnaire about acupuncture sensation or perception.Acupuncture needle insertion at a higher velocity was linked with higher maximum power, lower level of pain, and de qi-like perceptions such as "compressing" and "heavy" (p0.05).These results suggest that needle insertion velocity might be a factor for controlling inadvertent pain during the acupuncture needling process and that biomechanical properties of needling may be related to acupuncture perception or sensation.

Summary Objectives In smokers, smoking-associated cues produce smoking urges and cravings, which are accompanied by autonomic dysfunction in response to these cues. We investigated whether or not acupuncture ameliorated cigarette withdrawal symptoms, as well as attenuated the autonomic responses to smoking-related visual cues in smokers using a power spectrum analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Interventions Fifteen subjects were treated with real acupuncture (RA) at HT7 and 14 subjects received sham acupuncture (SA) at LI10 using the Park Sham Device. Main outcome measure The cigarette withdrawal scale (CWS) was measured on the third day after the subjects had quit smoking. We compared the low-frequency/high-frequency (HF/LF) ratio in the HRV of the RA and SA groups during a distraction task using neutral and smoking visual cues. Results The CWS of the RA group was significantly lower than that of the SA group. The increase in the LF/HF ratio of HRV induced by the smoking-related visual cues was also significantly lower in the RA group when compared with the SA group. Acupuncture not only ameliorated cigarette withdrawal, but also weakened the autonomic responses to smoking cues during withdrawal. Conclusions These findings suggest that acupuncture might help in smoking cessation by attenuating withdrawal symptoms and smoking cues-induced autonomic responses.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on the treatment of refractory sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), treatment of which remains a major clinical challenge.The study design was descriptive research to document the effect of acupuncture in a series of SSHL cases.The study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of Kyung Hee University Hospital.The subjects analyzed were 17 patients with refractory SSHL of more than 3 weeks after a failed trial of conventional treatment including corticosteroids.Acupuncture sessions were performed twice a week using a modified Saam acupuncture formula and such acupoints as GV14, GV15, and others, in addition to usual patient care educations.Improvement was defined as increased hearing threshold from initial measurement by more than 20 dB in at least two contiguous frequencies of audiometric testing. An audiogram pattern was also analyzed.The average refractory period before acupuncture treatment was 213.9 days (range 22-1460). First follow-up measurement after 9.5 times of acupuncture treatment for 29.9 days showed improvement in 4 of 16 cases examined (25.0%) and second follow-up measurement after 18.7 times of acupuncture treatment for 70.4 days in another 4 of 12 cases examined (33.3%). A total improvement rate after day 70.4 post initial visit was 47.1% (8 of 17 cases). As to the audiogram pattern, an ascending or midhumping pattern was related to a good prognosis, while a descending pattern was not.These findings suggest that acupuncture might be effective in refractory sensorineural hearing loss with failure of conventional therapy.

Acupuncture (ACU) is known to be effective in ischemia treatment, and glutamate (GLU) excitotoxicity is an important factor in neuronal cell death. We observed the effect of ACU on cerebral blood flow (%CBF) and DeltaGLU (the changes in GLU release) in the ischemic stroke rat model of diabetic mellitus (DM). A global ischemia was induced using the eleven-vessel occlusion (11-VO) method in 14 Sprague-Dawley rats (DM), which were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the ACU-treatment group. Extracellular DeltaGLU was assessed using an intra-cerebral biosensor system measuring 256 samples per second, simultaneously with %CBF and electroencephalogram. ACU stimulation was applied to ACU points GB34 and GB39 during the ischemic period. Twenty-three diagnostic parameters were proposed first for a detailed analysis of changes in %CBF and GLU release during ischemia/reperfusion. ACU rats showed a significant decrease in ischemic (p < 0.05) and reperfusion %CBF (p < 0.0001) than control rats, and a significantly larger decrease in ischemic DeltaGLU (p < 0.05) and peak level of reperfusion DeltaGLU (p < 0.005) than control rats. From these results, we suggest that ACU stimulation is responsible for the potential protection of neurons through suppression of %CBF response in the increased plasma osmolality and extracellular DeltaGLU in diabetic rats under ischemic conditions.

In order to apply appropriate acupuncture stimulation, different needle manipulation techniques are required. These manipulations are performed in many ways such as twirling the needle, varying the insertion angle, etc. The present study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of these manipulations to the acupuncture point ST36 on formalin-induced pain in rats.Animals were divided into four groups: non-treated control (CON), acupuncture without manipulation (AT), acupuncture with twirling manipulation (TM) and acupuncture with lifting-thrusting manipulation (LM) group. Level of pain was measured in formalin-injected rats in the early (0-10 minutes) and the late (10-60 minutes) phase. Several pain-related gene expressions were investigated in the spinal cord using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis.Formalin-induced pain was significantly reduced in the TM and the LM groups, compared with the CON and the AT groups. TM was more effective than LM in both phases. Needle manipulation was also effective in suppressing the mRNA expression of pain-related genes such as Fos, opioid receptor-like 1, tachykinin 1, tachykinin receptor 1, mu-opioid receptor and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A in the spinal cord.The TM and the LM groups showed enhanced analgesia, compared with the AT group. This effect might be related to the suppression of the transcription of pain-related genes.

In this study, we investigated the short term effects of acupuncture on autonomic control of blood flow in healthy subjects. We also studied whether deqi (obtaining qi) sensations are correlated with these autonomic hemodynamic changes.The experiment had a randomized, crossover design. Five healthy volunteers (age: 18-26 years) participated in this study. Acupuncture (2 Hz rotations for 10 seconds to 20 mm deep) was applied either to the acupuncture point SP3 or KI2 for 5 minutes. Non-invasively obtained continuous hemodynamic measurements of ultrasound Dopplerography were recorded at the radial artery before, during and after acupuncture stimulation. Cardiovascular autonomic tone was also recorded using power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. After acupuncture stimulation, the participants completed the acupuncture perception scales to measure the degree of deqi or pain they had experienced.Acupuncture stimulation to the acupuncture point SP3, when compared to the acupuncture point KI2, decreased the maximum systolic velocity. It also decreased low frequency component and increased high frequency component of heart rate variability, indicating that the decrease in systolic blood flow velocity was due to the increased parasympathetic response. Interestingly, warm, radiating and energetic feeling, which are related to deqi, had close correlations with the decrease in blood flow velocity.Acupuncture stimulation to the acupuncture point SP3 modulates the autonomic cardiovascular responses by enhancing parasympathetic function, and this may help to understand the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.

Four-constitution medicine (FCM), also known as Sasang constitutional medicine, and the heritage of the long history of individualized acupuncture medicine tradition, is one of the holistic and traditional systems of constitution to appraise and categorize individual differences into four major types.This study first reports a genome-wide association study on FCM, to explore the genetic basis of FCM and facilitate the integration of FCM with conventional individual differences research.Healthy individuals of the Korean population were classified into the four constitutional types (FCTs). A total of 353,202 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were typed using whole genome amplified samples, and six-way comparison of FCM types provided lists of significantly differential SNPs.In one-to-one FCT comparisons, 15,944 SNPs were significantly differential, and 5 SNPs were commonly significant in all of the three comparisons. In one-to-two FCT comparisons, 22,616 SNPs were significantly differential, and 20 SNPs were commonly significant in all of the three comparison groups.This study presents the association between genome-wide SNP profiles and the categorization of the FCM, and it could further provide a starting point of genome-based identification and research of the constitutions of FCM.

Deqi, an acupuncture perception asserted as related with a therapeutic effect and a surrogate measure of the activity of acupuncture treatment, may not be such a simple and single phenomenon as thus-far presumed. In this study, we investigated the acupuncture perceptions over six points to explore any pattern of individual sensory item intensity over different points and genders from 121 healthy volunteers using a sensory questionnaire with 20 items. Perception data were eligible for factor analysis. Factor analysis produced four subcategories of perceptions: pain (nine items), transmission (three), dullness (four) and soreness (two). Of the acupoints, large intestine 1 (LI1), at the fingertip, showed the highest rating in the pain subcategory and LI4 in the dullness category. Females rated higher than males in spreading and numb perceptions (P

Amygdalin is a plant glucoside isolated from the stones of rosaceous fruits, such as apricots, peaches, almond, cherries, and plums. To investigate the pain-relieving activity of amygdalin, we induced pain in rats through intraplantar injection of formalin, and evaluated the antinociceptive effect of amygdalin at doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg-body weight by observing nociceptive behavior such as licking, biting and shaking, the number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the spinal cord, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in the plantar skin. The intramuscular injection of amygdalin significantly reduced the formalin-induced tonic pain in both early (the initial 10 min after formalin injection) and late phases (10-30 min following the initial formalin injection). During the late phase, amygdalin did reduce the formalin-induced pain in a dose-dependent manner in a dose range less than 1 mg/kg. Molecular analysis targeting c-Fos and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) also showed a significant effect of amygdalin, which matched the results of the behavioral pain analysis. These results suggest that amygdalin is effective at alleviating inflammatory pain and that it can be used as an analgesic with anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Summary This study reviews recent advances in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or masticatory system related neurology, and suggests the TMJ as a neurological window and lever. The TMJ is integrated with the brainstem centers via the sensorimotor system, including the body balance and coordination control systems. A dysfunctioning TMJ may reflect not only local problems, but also the underlying remote or systemic problems. Neurological examination, including balance testing, for example, may reveal the contributing imbalances and provide an additional evaluation of the appropriateness of TMJ therapeutics being attempted. Repetitive or tonic sensory stimulations involving the TMJ may be related to therapeutic interventions, contributing to neural plasticity, which may be adopted as a therapeutic approach in treatment of neurological disorders, including dystonia and movement disorders. TMJ related therapeutics, such as use of an occlusal splint, cranial manipulation, muscle/myofascial therapy, and acupuncture, ideally need to be practiced along with neurological monitoring, to ensure neurologically desirable effects.

Sasang constitutional medicine classifies mankind into four constitutional types according to individual psychologic and physical traits. We hypothesized that differences among constitutional types might be explained by genetic variations.To evaluate the hypothesis, we determined the possible association in ischemic stroke patients (n = 134) of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma with four constitutional types of Sasang medicine. The constitutional type of each patient and control subject (n = 129) was classified and genotyped for PPAR-gamma polymorphism Pro12Ala by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods.The distribution of the Pro/Ala genotypes in the ischemic stroke patients was not significantly different from that of healthy controls [odds ratio (OR)= 0.46; p = 0.1214]. However, very interestingly, we observed that all six Pro/Ala genotypes in ischemic patients were Taeeumin, one of four constitutional types of Sasang medicine. Statistical analysis revealed that Pro/Ala genotype in Taeeumin increases almost 15-fold the susceptibility to ischemic stroke compared to other constitutional types, Taeyangin, Soyangin or Soeumin (OR= 14.72; p = 0.0110).From the results in this study, we might suggest that Pro/Ala genotype in Taeeumin is associated with the susceptibility to ischemic stroke. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first report to study on genetic level the potential relationship between ischemic stroke and Sasang constitutional medicine, one of traditional Korean medicines (TKM). Authors hope that this study could provide a new approach for the study of ischemic stroke and merit further research.

Backgrounds: Acupuncture has long been a central part of medicine in East Asia. Recently its therapeutic effects are world-widely recognized with scientific bases being established by means of basic research and clinical studies in the biomedical sciences. Even though Korean acupuncture (KA) shares its origins with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it has developed into its own unique system. Methods: We assessed the unique characteristics of KA and discussed the potential contributions of KA to modern medicine. Results: Individualized approach by KA is based on constitutional energy traits which are considered as a main element in Saam, Taegeuk and eight constitution acupunctures. New practical and integrated forms of therapeutic modalities, such as herbal acupuncture or pharmacopuncture, have also been developed by KA. Conclusion: Given its individualized and practical characteristics, KA is expected to make significant contributions to the understanding and the treatment of neurological diso...

Background: Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) therapy of scalp and penetration acupuncture has been used for the treatment of stroke in Korea. This study investigated the efficacy of scalp and penetration acupuncture in combination with TKM medication. Methods: Twenty-four stroke patients were enrolled in the program. Control group (n = 12) received herbal medicines (Baepungtang, Sopungtang or Sosokmyeongtang) and conventional body acupuncture. Treatment group (n = 12) received scalp and penetration acupuncture in addition to herbal medicines and conventional body acupuncture. Improvements in the motor functions were scored by the modified Barthel index (MBI). Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, statistical analysis showed significant improvement in the MBI scores for both groups. Significant difference in the MBI scores between two groups, however, was not observed. Conclusion: The supportive effect of scalp and penetration acupuncture in the treatment of stroke needs further investigation.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-S6.8(T), was isolated from soil in Incheon, South Korea. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain THG-S6.8(T) was moderately related to Massilia plicata 76(T) (97.3 %), Massilia dura 16(T) (97.2 %) and Massilia albidiflava 45(T) (96.9 %). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-S6.8(T) possesses ubiquinone-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) and C16:0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-S6.8(T) and Massilia plicata KCTC 12344(T) and Massilia dura KACC 12342(T) was 38.7 and 40.5 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 66.8 %. These data, together with phenotypic characterization, suggest the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Massilia humi sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-S6.8(T) as the type strain (=KCTC 42737(T) = CCTCC AB 2015296(T)).

A novel Gram-stain negative, yellow coloured, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium designated as THW-SA1(T), was isolated from lake water near Samsung apartment, Suwon, Republic of Korea. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain THW-SA1(T) belongs to the genus Novosphingobium and is closely related to Novosphingobium taihuense (97.8 %) and Novosphingobium subterraneum (97.1 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain THW-SA1(T) and the most closely related type strains were found to be less than 30.0 %. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 67.5 mol%. The strain grows optimally at 25-28 °C, at pH 7.0, and in the presence of 0.5 % NaCl. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was identified as ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipid profile comprises diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, some unidentified phospholipids and some unidentified polar lipids. Fatty acids characteristic for this genus, such as C16:1, C14:0 2-OH, C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c (summed feature 3) and C18:1 ω6c and/or C18:1 ω7c (summed feature 8) were also detected. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic analysis, the strain THW-SA1(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Novosphingobium, for which the name Novosphingobium aquaticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THW-SA1(T) (=KCTC 42608(T)=CCTCC AB 2015114(T)).

A yellowish colored, Gram-staining negative, strictly aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-SQE7T, was isolated from reed pond water in Shangqiu, PR China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain THG-SQE7T is most closely related to Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava ATCC 33668T (98.4 %), followed by Hydrogenophaga bisanensis K102T (97.6 %) and Hydrogenophaga flava CCUG 1658T (97.6 %). DNA–DNA hybridization showed 53.5, 36.0 and 22.5 % DNA re-association with H. pseudoflava KCTC 2348T, H. bisanensis KCTC 12980T and H. flava KCTC 1648T, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-SQE7T possesses ubiquinone-8 as the only isoprenoid quinone, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C16:0 and C18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 63.7 mol%. These data corroborated the affiliation of strain THG-SQE7T to the genus Hydrogenophaga. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Hydrogenophaga luteola sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-SQE7T as the type strain (=KCTC 42501T = CCTCC AB 2014314T = JCM 30433T).

Human skin undergoes changes during aging that result from the synergistic effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may culminate in wrinkle formation, a characteristic of aged skin. Panax ginseng and ginsenosides have promising properties in preventing skin aging. Our previous study demonstrated that enzyme-modified ginseng extract (EG) has inhibitory effects against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced skin aging. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the preventive effects of EG on eye-wrinkle formation by applying EG cream in 23 randomized human subjects. Compared to the placebo, EG significantly reduced the global photo-damage score. In addition, total roughness (R1), smoothness depth (R4), and arithmetic roughness average (R5) were significantly decreased with use of EG. In a post-study questionnaire, subjects responded that EG was absorbed efficiently into the skin and was more potent in moisturizing and softening skin than the placebo. No participants reported adverse reactions to treatment. In conclusion, EG sufficiently suppressed eye wrinkle formation by decreasing various roughness measures on the basis of assessment with non-invasive devices. Therefore, our results indicate that EG is a promising anti-aging candidate that could be used as an ingredient in natural functional food and cosmetic products.

Objectives : Neurological disorders have been one of main therapeutic targets of acupuncture. The present study investigated the protective effects of Gwakhyangjeonggisan herbal acupuncture solution (GHAS). Methods : We performed 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in glioblastoma cells, and did microarray analysis with cells exposed to reactive oxigen species (ROS) of hydrogen peroxide by 8.0 k Human cDNA, with cut-off level of 2-fold changes in gene expression. Results : MTT assay showed protective effect of GHAS on the glioblastoma cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. When glioblastoma cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, 24 genes were downregulated. When the cells were pretreated with GHAS before exposure to hydrogen peroxide, 46 genes were downregulated. Many of the genes downregulated by hydrogen peroxide stimulation were decreased in the amount of downregulation or reversed to upregulation. Conclusions : The gene expression changes observed in the present study are supposed to be related to the protective molecular mechanism of GHAS in the glioblastoma cells exposed to ROS stress.

Bee venom (BV) has been used traditionally for the control of pain and inflammation in various chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Oriental medicine. However, it is still unclear how BV exerts its beneficial effects on the clinical course of RA patients. To investigate the effect of BV on the treatment of rheumatoid synovitis, we examined the inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis in human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. Rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts were surgically obtained from patients with RA. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptosis of synovial cells treated with 10 microg/ml BV for 24 h was identified by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation assay, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. It was demonstrated that rheumatoid synovial cells treated with 10 microg/ml BV for 24 h exhibited apoptotic features and fragmentation of DNA. In addition, BV induces apoptosis in rheumatoid synovial cells through a decrease in BCL2 expression and an increase in BAX and caspase-3 (CASP3) expression. It is suggested that BV inhibits the proliferation of rheumatoid synovial cells through induction of apoptosis by CASP3 activation.